TY - JOUR
T1 - Dialectic as Method in Public Theology
T2 - Recalling Jacques Ellul
AU - Neville, David
N1 - Imported on 12 Apr 2017 - DigiTool details were: Journal title (773t) = International Journal of Public Theology. ISSNs: 1569-7320;
PY - 2008
Y1 - 2008
N2 - This article recalls the contribution of Jacques Ellul's theological methodology as a resource for public theology. The first part of the study surveys Ellul's contribution as a public theologian, while the second responds to Ellul's reflections on the theme of dialectic and evaluates the significance of Ellulian-style dialectical theology for public theology. The term "dialectic" is one Ellul used to describe his own mode of theological engagement. For Ellul, dialectic implies dialogue, which entails both presence (being with, so as to be able to converse) and distance (being apart, so as to be able to contribute something different). What Ellul affirms about a dialectical stance is valuable in so far as it enables theology to grapple with complexity and contradiction, which is important for public theology because the conversation between theology and the wider public now usually occurs in the absence of shared assumptions and values.
AB - This article recalls the contribution of Jacques Ellul's theological methodology as a resource for public theology. The first part of the study surveys Ellul's contribution as a public theologian, while the second responds to Ellul's reflections on the theme of dialectic and evaluates the significance of Ellulian-style dialectical theology for public theology. The term "dialectic" is one Ellul used to describe his own mode of theological engagement. For Ellul, dialectic implies dialogue, which entails both presence (being with, so as to be able to converse) and distance (being apart, so as to be able to contribute something different). What Ellul affirms about a dialectical stance is valuable in so far as it enables theology to grapple with complexity and contradiction, which is important for public theology because the conversation between theology and the wider public now usually occurs in the absence of shared assumptions and values.
KW - Open access version available
KW - Dialectic
KW - Jacques Ellul
KW - Method in public theology
U2 - 10.1163/156973208X290026
DO - 10.1163/156973208X290026
M3 - Article
SN - 1872-5171
VL - 2
SP - 163
EP - 181
JO - International Journal of Public Theology
JF - International Journal of Public Theology
IS - 2
ER -